Housing together and maintaining relationship with people

[edsbeaker]

Hi,
I have two green checks, one 4 months old and the other 3 months old. They have been DNA tested as girls. They are sweet, loving and highly social with anyone that holds them, and eager for human attention. They each have their own sleeping cages and separate daytime cages as well. During our recent 2 week vacation, we boarded them with the store where we purchased them . They were housed in the same cage while we were gone. They got along SO WELL while we were gone, I'm now wondering if it is cruel to house them separately during the daytime.

So, my question is about keeping them in one cage during the day. If they are kept in separate cages overnight, can they share a cage during the daytime while remaining tame? They only would spend, at most, 2-3 hours a day in this cage while I'm out, but I am retired, so I'm mostly at home. I think (maybe incorrectly?) that they may be happier during the day if they are sharing a cage and able to preen and cuddle and wrestle with each other if I'm out of the house for a while. I know some of you will know the answer to this better then I do, so I would appreciate opinions. I am fine either way, but I don't want to separate them during the day if there is no reason to, especially since they seemed to get along so well in the same cage. One step further, if they are housed together during the day, should I still have separate sleeping cages for them, or just one sleep cage?

 

[itchyfeet]

My IRN's moved in together. The doors of the cages were open each day and they'd always go to bed in one, snuggled at night, if I was too late at putting them away separately. Invariably, this would end in a bite when I'd try and put them to bed in their own cages. It works fine, but I am cautious to ensure daily human handling by at least one member of our human family, if not more.

Like mine, your parrots are young, so as long as you are vigilant about behavioral changes towards one another and humans, handling, and the cage is plenty big enough for both I think you'd be okay. Maintain your expectations by working with them daily, and be adaptable if it's not a goer. Maybe phase it in over time, having them together only when supervised at first.

 

[MonicaMc]

Depends on the birds, but I'd certainly recommend giving it a try!